Thank you for joining us!

Our latest Governance Readout breakfast event brought together governance professionals for a focused discussion on one of the most significant pieces of legislative updates – the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA).

Attendees heard from expert speakers, explored the practical implementations of the act, and had the opportunity to connect with peers navigating the same challenges.

Tile image of The speaker’s stage at Computershare’s OpenSpace event
Tile image of The audience listens on to Computershare’s key speakers
Tile image of An engaged audience listens, as the City is seen in the background
Tile image of The audience listen to the key speakers

The agenda

We brought together expert speakers from the UK government to deliver insights into the upcoming Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act changes, empowering you with the right ECCTA guidance. We covered:

  • ECCTA identity verification
  • Failure to prevent fraud
  • ACSP frameworks
  • Implementation of the ECCTA alongside Companies House’s modernisation programme

We were joined by Companies House Director of Transformation and Business Change Luisa Fulci and Principal Implementation Advisor Josh Coles. Also joining us was Head of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Policy at the Department for Business and Trade, Nicola Wallace.

Key talking points

  • Companies House is central to the UK’s reputation as a great place to start a business. But its ease of use has been exploited. Criminals have used fake names, addresses and opaque company structures to commit fraud and launder billions. Reform is essential to stopping abuse and restoring confidence in the UK’s corporate landscape.

  • The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023) is being delivered in phases from 2024 through to 2026. Changes include tighter company information requirements, identify verification for directors and PSCs, increased filing fees, stronger enforcement powers and closer collaboration with law enforcement. The aim is to shift Companies House from a passive register to an active gatekeeper.

  • Key reforms already in place include stricter registered office requirements, the introduction of registered email addresses and tougher powers to query and remove inaccurate information. Companies House has already removed over 10,000 fraudulent companies, tackled high-volume abuse networks and improved data-sharing with enforcement agencies.

  • Individuals can verify their identity online using their GOV.UK One Login, in person at participating Post Offices, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as a solicitor or accountant. From 18 November 2025, identify verification becomes mandatory, and individuals will receive a personal code to link to their company roles during filings.

  • Organisations must ensure all directors, PSCs and filing parties complete identity verification on time. Boards should build compliance into governance processes and cascade requirements clearly across teams. Companies House also expects you to stay informed, prepare early and integrate verification into your filing and reporting calendar.

Interested in our next event?

We expect to host our next Governance Readout breakfast early next year, so be on the lookout for an invite! However, Computershare host a range of governance events across the calendar year. This month, governance leader Samira Chambas-Yusuf will be joining us to talk about representation in governance. In November, experts from across the world of governance will be joining us to explore what makes a great board, from strengthening governance frameworks to enhancing your strategic decision-making.

Register for OpenSpace – Personal reflections on diversity, inclusion and representation in governance

Register for Industry Insights – How do you build a high-performing build in today’s evolving governance landscape?